Panthalam: The Panthalam royal family has rejected the police notice preventing those who took part in protests against the Supreme Court order allowing entry of women in Sabarimala temple from taking part in the Thiruvabharana procession ahead of the Makaravilakku festival.

The royal family decided to conduct the Thiruvabharana procession (procession carrying sacred ornaments to adorn Lord Ayyappa for Makaravilakku festival) as per tradition and has prepared a list of participants.

The Pathanamthitta district police chief has issued an order preventing those who actively took part in protests against the SC order allowing women entry in Sabarimala, will not be allowed to accompany the Thiruvabharana procession.

The royal family has prepared a list of people who would be part of the groups carrying the Thiruvabharanam (holy ornaments) and palanquin. The royal family themselves will procure an affidavit from the enlisted people, said a royal family representative. The Devaswom board has supported the royal family’s decision.

The police direction had prevented those who were active in the protests against the SC order and others with criminal background from taking part in the procession. The royal family has taken a stand that the police can check these factors.

So far, 700 people have submitted applications to take part in the procession. All of them require clearance from the police besides ID cards issued by the Devaswom board.

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